Today was packed. I’m exhausted. There’s no way I could capture everything I experienced/learned today in one post – but for my pleasure I’ll provide a summary.
Morning: Bringin’ it to the Prime Ministry
The day began with a 9:30 a.m. meeting at Jordan’s Prime Ministry with the country’s official government spokesperson. This was probably the most interesting meeting of the day. The spokesperson, Dr. Nabil Al Sharif gave us an overview of current issues facing Jordan today, and initiatives the country is currently prioritizing. We then had the opportunity to ask questions. A major focus of both our discussion was the Palestinian/Israeli peace plan. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to directly ask questions to a government spokesperson regarding Hamas and Gaza and the whole Palestinian plight in general. I’ve only thus far been able to read responses in the news. Anyway – too much info to talk more about that subject. We also discussed Palestinian and Iraqi refugees living in Jordan. Jordan’s been great about taking in refugees. I found a couple of things about this discussion interesting.
First, apparently Jordan does not call Iraqis “refugees,” because of the implication of that word. They are labeled “guests,” as they are expected to be returning somewhat soon. Second, Palestinian refugees here are given full citizenship. They are given Jordanian passports, access to the country’s health care benefits and public education. Additionally, there are not really Palestinian refugee “camps,” per say. Rather, the Palestinians live in particular settlements throughout the city. This is really unusual, particularly the fact that Palestinian refugees are given full citizenship. That never happens.
News: Amman Style
Enough about the PM, this is going to get too long. After the ministry we visited a local newspaper – Al Dustour. The assistant editor-in-chief discussed media in Jordan, and issues such as freedom of the press, etc… It was a great meeting, although I wish I could have asked more questions because I found some of their stances on things hypocritical. For instance, they said you know, they wouldn’t publish things like demeaning their prophet, or Christ – anything that would incite religious violence. However, I feel like I’ve seen plenty of things in the Arab press that seem less than loving and objective towards Jews. I don’t know though, I guess I’d need to talk to them more before making a judgment.
Lamb and More Lamb
From Al Dustour we went to lunch at another ridiculous restaurant. Our guide says, “Jordanians eat with their eyes.” He’s not kidding. The display of food here is eye candy. It’s beautiful. We had hummus and lamb and chicken and pitas and lots of stuff I forgot the name of. Yum. I think in the following week, I will eat more lamb than I have eaten, or will eat, in my entire life.
Roman Ruins and Dead Sea Scrolls
When we had stuffed ourselves yet again (I didn’t even mention the amazing breakfast), we piled back into our convenient van and drove up to the Citadel in Amman. The Citadel is an ancient Roman ruin overlooking a gorgeous view of Amman – a city made almost entirely of ivory limestone. Next to the Citadel was an archeology museum, which housed some of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Crazy.
Jet-lagged Diplomacy
By the afternoon, I was being seriously weighed down by jet lag. There was no time to rest though, for we had a meeting scheduled at the U.S. embassy here in Amman. We met with the U.S. Ambassador to Jordan Stephen Beecroft. Though he was really interesting, I had to fight to keep from rudely yawning mid-meetings. It had been a long day. You know, a typical day in my life, no big deal (yes, that was obviously sarcastic). The ambassador was the third person and final person we met with today - a good end to a series of unique meetings.
Obama, and Other Funny Tales:
Two particularly funny things happened today. At the Roman Citadel, some Arab visitors spotted us Americans roaming about and got really exicted. I believe they were Palestinians because they asked if I knew Abbas (Fatah’s president). When the spotted us, they came running up yelling, “Obama, Obama!” I gave them a fist-pump in the air while laughing. Then, they gathered around us and had us take a picture with them. Ha! The only one who wouldn’t was a woman with them and one of their sons – who at age eight was ridiculously embarrassed of his parents. His father, however, was ridiculously proud of him. He kept telling his son to come talk to us, while at the same time, telling us about his son. “My son, he is in American international school! Please talk to him so he can practice. His textbook was made in 2003, in California!” What? Ha. The man continued, “He gets good marks, (to his son), come over here!” I spoke to his son in English, “you get good grades?” I asked. Embarrassed he was like, “yeah….” And trekked forward with his head down. Poor guy. Hilarious dad.
Funny incident number two was receiving a free flute today after dinner. We went to this restaurant Kan Zaman, which means “Once Upon a Time,” for dinner, and went to some surrounding shops after. One of the men running the shops gave me a free wood flute because he said I “had the most beautiful smile.” I feel bad, he disappeared and I went to the bathroom and didn’t thank him. Oh well, at least I have a free wooden flute from Amman… I’ve always wanted one of those. Ha. It was a nice gesture.
Oh, another thing – I’ve never seen so many pictures of a leader in my life. The people here love their king. There are pictures of him up everywhere and the government installs pretty much none of them. Private citizens pay to put King Abdullah on billboards. Funny.
The End. Finally
Welp, it may be 4:00 p.m. in MN, but it’s 11:00 p.m. here and tomorrow is another jam-packed today. Sleep is intensely calling my name. Ciao.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Day One: Arab Luxury
I may have taken a year of Arabic, but as I arrive in Jordan, one thing is now clear: I do not know a lick of that language. I seriously cannot understand an Arabic word out of people’s mouths here and it’s super disappointing. I can read like, three or four written words on the signs, but other than that I may as well be illiterate. A year of flashcards for nothing!!! Thankfully, everyone speaks English here – for the most part – and most signs are written in Arabic and English. The proliferation of English in the world is both a privilege and a handicap, in my opinion anyway. While it’s nice to be able to get around on one language globally, it also prevents native English speakers from ever really learning another language. Consequently, most Americans are hopelessly monolingual – while our friends in other nations have two, three languages under their belts.
Anyway, after waking up and eating breakfast on the flight to Amman, we touched down in the country, and walked outside to see that it was evening. That was a strange time-lapse experience. Even though I’ve only been up for like, five hours, I’m still exhausted. So far, we are getting the royal treatment. I feel extrememly unqualified to be here. You should see the hotel room I’m writing in right now. I get an entire room to my self at the Royal Jordanian Hotel – one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed at, hands down. I was fairly taken aback by the amount of security we had to go through upon arriving at the hotel; metal detectors, baggage scan, just like an airport. I thought it was pretty strange – considering Amman’s not even that dangerous. I mean, can you imagine having to go through a metal detector before entering a U.S. Hilton? No.
As I swung through my hotel’s bold glass doors, I caught a glimpse of the Hyatt looming next door. The Hyatt triggered my memory, and suddenly, the security made sense. Back in 2005, terrorists attacked three hotels here in Jordan – including the Hyatt across the street. Around 50 (I think) people were killed. The Jordanians called the incident “their Sept. 11.” Undoubtedly, intense security procedures at Amman hotels are a direct response to the 2005 bombings; the hoteliers here aren’t just baselessly paranoid. I’m happy their security procedures are preventing another such attack from taking place while I’m in the country. Terrorists: don’t mess with me.
After I freshened up in my (awesome) hotel room, we went down to eat at this ridiculous buffet. Lots of stuff I had never seen before – most of it really good. I only choked once after consuming this beef-like food and mentioning that it was good. “What is this?” I asked, “Oh,” replied one of trip-mates, “that’s liver or kidney I believe.” All of a sudden, it did not taste so good anymore. I pushed it aside and went for the tiramisu.
Ok, time for bed on day one, or two, I don’t know my timing is messed. I gotta get up early to go meet Jordan’s foreign minister at its prime ministry five minutes down the road. Until later, masalaama.
Anyway, after waking up and eating breakfast on the flight to Amman, we touched down in the country, and walked outside to see that it was evening. That was a strange time-lapse experience. Even though I’ve only been up for like, five hours, I’m still exhausted. So far, we are getting the royal treatment. I feel extrememly unqualified to be here. You should see the hotel room I’m writing in right now. I get an entire room to my self at the Royal Jordanian Hotel – one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed at, hands down. I was fairly taken aback by the amount of security we had to go through upon arriving at the hotel; metal detectors, baggage scan, just like an airport. I thought it was pretty strange – considering Amman’s not even that dangerous. I mean, can you imagine having to go through a metal detector before entering a U.S. Hilton? No.
As I swung through my hotel’s bold glass doors, I caught a glimpse of the Hyatt looming next door. The Hyatt triggered my memory, and suddenly, the security made sense. Back in 2005, terrorists attacked three hotels here in Jordan – including the Hyatt across the street. Around 50 (I think) people were killed. The Jordanians called the incident “their Sept. 11.” Undoubtedly, intense security procedures at Amman hotels are a direct response to the 2005 bombings; the hoteliers here aren’t just baselessly paranoid. I’m happy their security procedures are preventing another such attack from taking place while I’m in the country. Terrorists: don’t mess with me.
After I freshened up in my (awesome) hotel room, we went down to eat at this ridiculous buffet. Lots of stuff I had never seen before – most of it really good. I only choked once after consuming this beef-like food and mentioning that it was good. “What is this?” I asked, “Oh,” replied one of trip-mates, “that’s liver or kidney I believe.” All of a sudden, it did not taste so good anymore. I pushed it aside and went for the tiramisu.
Ok, time for bed on day one, or two, I don’t know my timing is messed. I gotta get up early to go meet Jordan’s foreign minister at its prime ministry five minutes down the road. Until later, masalaama.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Arabian Nights
I leave for Jordan in two days. I am SO excited you have no idea. I'm going to Jordan on this "Sixty Years of Friendship Press Trip" sponsored by the Jordanian embassy here in the U.S. It's kind of like a public relations stint; the embassy wants U.S. journalists writing about Jordan so Americans don't continue to think it's full of Jihadist bombers, etc... There are ten of us going - six are undergrad kids - but the other four are adults so that's good. We are totally getting the royal tour - the itinerary for the trip is amazing! I will share a few highlights from the trip, out of my own personal excitement:
Day 2: 10:00 AM Meeting with Government Spokesperson
11:30 AM Meeting with Editorial Board with Ad Dustour Newspaper
Afternoon Tour of the city of Amman, with a trip to the Citadel and the Archeology Museum, which houses some of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Dinner will be at Kan Zaman restaurant perched on a hilltop in the outskirts of Amman. Be entertained by talented musicians and singers and enjoy the best “hubbly-bubbly” water pipes in the city! After dinner, visit the artisans at work on the grounds of the restaurant. Painters, silversmith, wood carvers, carpet weavers, sand bottle makers and potters are all there to show off their craft to you.
Day 6: Mount Nebo, Where Moses Saw the Promised Land. Sixty years of excavation on the hilltop of Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land and is said to be buried, revealed a basilica church and one of the most magnificent mosaic floors in the world. From the platform in front of the church, you will have an inspiring, breath-taking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. You will see what Moses saw and what Pope John Paul II saw most recently: The Promised Land!
Day 7: Petra. This is the day that you will never forget. As you thread your way between the cliff walls that soar to 650 feet on your way through the narrow gorge to the Treasury, you will pass inscriptions in ancient languages and rock-cut chambers carved into the whorls of sandstone. Indiana Jones in “The Last Crusade” charged through this desert gorge to the Treasury in search of the Holy Grail. Jordan abounds in archeological riches, but few sites in the world can rival the Nabataean city of Petra, carved out of these rose-red rock cliffs!
And this is just some of my itinerary. Plus the biggest bonus: they pay for everything (well, minus alcohol - but that's to be expected:). I can't even think about it because I have two more days before I get to go. I should start packing. I will do that now - time to get ready for some Arabian nights...
Day 2: 10:00 AM Meeting with Government Spokesperson
11:30 AM Meeting with Editorial Board with Ad Dustour Newspaper
Afternoon Tour of the city of Amman, with a trip to the Citadel and the Archeology Museum, which houses some of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Dinner will be at Kan Zaman restaurant perched on a hilltop in the outskirts of Amman. Be entertained by talented musicians and singers and enjoy the best “hubbly-bubbly” water pipes in the city! After dinner, visit the artisans at work on the grounds of the restaurant. Painters, silversmith, wood carvers, carpet weavers, sand bottle makers and potters are all there to show off their craft to you.
Day 6: Mount Nebo, Where Moses Saw the Promised Land. Sixty years of excavation on the hilltop of Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land and is said to be buried, revealed a basilica church and one of the most magnificent mosaic floors in the world. From the platform in front of the church, you will have an inspiring, breath-taking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. You will see what Moses saw and what Pope John Paul II saw most recently: The Promised Land!
Day 7: Petra. This is the day that you will never forget. As you thread your way between the cliff walls that soar to 650 feet on your way through the narrow gorge to the Treasury, you will pass inscriptions in ancient languages and rock-cut chambers carved into the whorls of sandstone. Indiana Jones in “The Last Crusade” charged through this desert gorge to the Treasury in search of the Holy Grail. Jordan abounds in archeological riches, but few sites in the world can rival the Nabataean city of Petra, carved out of these rose-red rock cliffs!
And this is just some of my itinerary. Plus the biggest bonus: they pay for everything (well, minus alcohol - but that's to be expected:). I can't even think about it because I have two more days before I get to go. I should start packing. I will do that now - time to get ready for some Arabian nights...
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Harper is Famous
I was already extremely impressed when my friend Harper showed me the e-mail correspondence taking place between her and Nick Kristhof - the awesomest New York Times columnist ever. I don't even care that awesomest is not a word. So I kind of flipped out when she alerted me to the cover of his new book - which will be hitting shelves everywhere in September. Take a peek:
Yep. She's on the cover. Third row, second from the left. The only white girl who made the cover:). I have a famous friend. This is very exciting. I don't know a lot of famous people. Harper I expect you to bring me to your first red-carpet event. Your boyfriend is in Congo he probably won't be able to make it. I will be a great replacement.
If you want a closer look at the book search for it on Amazon. Ok that's all for now. Peace.
Yep. She's on the cover. Third row, second from the left. The only white girl who made the cover:). I have a famous friend. This is very exciting. I don't know a lot of famous people. Harper I expect you to bring me to your first red-carpet event. Your boyfriend is in Congo he probably won't be able to make it. I will be a great replacement.
If you want a closer look at the book search for it on Amazon. Ok that's all for now. Peace.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Back At It!
Ah. I am thoroughly enjoying the sweet ease of summer. Everyday this week, I have awoken at 11:00 a.m. and thought, "What shall I do today? The world is my oyster." Or, something along those lines.
My answer to this mid-morning question differed a bit each day. Yesterday, I began thoroughly cleaning my room (although it still doesn't look great), and took a nice long run that left me with unbelievably sore legs. Then I drank wine on the porch with friends. Today, I took a good non-academic book and headed over to Spyhouse to read and drink iced lattes in the sun. Divine I tell you, divine.
Also today I've dabbled in a new business that may flourish this summer:). Selling old books on ebay. Ha. I've listed like ten books for $3 hoping to get someone who, for some odd reason, wants to read them. I am thinking of naming my store, "Great Books." Original, no? Really, it should be named "Sucky Books I Don't Want to Read," because I'm keeping all the good books. No one has bought my books yet and it's been an hour. This is not looking good. Anyone want to read, "Listening In, a History of Radio?" Come on, it's a goodie. Only three bucks plus shipping!
Random note, but today at SpyHouse, the lady next to me was giving her friend instructions on how to see the colours of auras. Weird. Ok I'm going to scavenge the web looking for regional estate sales - I figure I can find some more good stuff there to sell on ebay. I am quite the electronic enterpreneur.
My answer to this mid-morning question differed a bit each day. Yesterday, I began thoroughly cleaning my room (although it still doesn't look great), and took a nice long run that left me with unbelievably sore legs. Then I drank wine on the porch with friends. Today, I took a good non-academic book and headed over to Spyhouse to read and drink iced lattes in the sun. Divine I tell you, divine.
Also today I've dabbled in a new business that may flourish this summer:). Selling old books on ebay. Ha. I've listed like ten books for $3 hoping to get someone who, for some odd reason, wants to read them. I am thinking of naming my store, "Great Books." Original, no? Really, it should be named "Sucky Books I Don't Want to Read," because I'm keeping all the good books. No one has bought my books yet and it's been an hour. This is not looking good. Anyone want to read, "Listening In, a History of Radio?" Come on, it's a goodie. Only three bucks plus shipping!
Random note, but today at SpyHouse, the lady next to me was giving her friend instructions on how to see the colours of auras. Weird. Ok I'm going to scavenge the web looking for regional estate sales - I figure I can find some more good stuff there to sell on ebay. I am quite the electronic enterpreneur.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Crazy
How am I twenty-six? It seems so surreal.
Where does time go? This is so weird. 25 was so.... ideal.
Perhaps though, 26 will be too.
Where does time go? This is so weird. 25 was so.... ideal.
Perhaps though, 26 will be too.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Here's to Good Friends Who Get You Through Catatonic States
I am lucky to have a really great roommate to get me through/put up with me in this brief dysfunctional time of my life. Living with me at the moment, is probably comparable to being a caregiver at one of those group homes. I am super out of it and unusually emotional. This may or may not be due to the impossible amount of work that must get done by the end of this week. I am going to go with it may.
So, my roommate Amy has done a really good job taking care of me and making sure I don’t you know, drop a few developmental levels. During the past few days, I've either neglected the arduous task of eating, or have subsisted on the animal crackers currently next to me in a bucket on the floor. Last night, I had what one could call a slight emotional breakdown—catalyzed by the 9:00 hour approaching on the clock of doom, and the realization I was nowhere near done with my paper. It would be another all-nighter. And after that, I would still have two more papers to go. The tears began to flow.
Feeling bad for me in such a helpless state, and knowing I would probably not think of eating, Amy made me breakfast the next morning. Yeah! I actually didn’t eat it until 4:00 p.m. today because I was busy (yes after it’d been sitting out all day), but it served the purpose of dinner. Right now, I am so annoyed with hunger. I don’t have time or money to eat. It really bothers me that we are physically required to eat. It is a pain in the you-know-what to have to eat during times like these.
Anyway, back to my roommate. So then, after providing me with sustenance, and knowing I would most likely be finishing my paper up until the last second like usual, she offered to drive me to school. Every minute counts my friends, every minute counts. It was awesome. I think I got like, five more accurate footnotes in because of the ride. As I was leaving, she also saved me from going catatonic in frustration of my ever-elusive keys. I could not find them. Again. I shouted out the window, "I can't find my stupid keys." She's like,“there in the bathroom.” I went into the bathroom, and what do you know, there they were. Peacefully lying on the counter after I had violently trashed my room in a desperate attempt to uncover them. I think the ability to know where your keys are is a spiritual gift. That would be a great spiritual gift to have. Even better than um, prophesying.
So anyway, props to Amy for keeping me alive during the volatile life stage I am currently undergoing. Hopefully, it will be over by Friday. So it’s like 5:50, and I still haven’t slept a wink since I awoke Sunday at 11:30 p.m. No time. I kind of want to make it rain one giant snowstorm with all my stupid homework and readings I have to do right now. Plus, I think I am seriously coming down with carpel tunnel from typing in an extremely ergonomically incorrect position for about…. hmmm…. 18 hours straight. Not even kidding. Bllaahhhh. Oh well, I guess I'll raise my Diet Coke to another 24 hours of carpel tunnel, exhaustion and avoidant behaviors. It's the little things that make life worth living:).
So, my roommate Amy has done a really good job taking care of me and making sure I don’t you know, drop a few developmental levels. During the past few days, I've either neglected the arduous task of eating, or have subsisted on the animal crackers currently next to me in a bucket on the floor. Last night, I had what one could call a slight emotional breakdown—catalyzed by the 9:00 hour approaching on the clock of doom, and the realization I was nowhere near done with my paper. It would be another all-nighter. And after that, I would still have two more papers to go. The tears began to flow.
Feeling bad for me in such a helpless state, and knowing I would probably not think of eating, Amy made me breakfast the next morning. Yeah! I actually didn’t eat it until 4:00 p.m. today because I was busy (yes after it’d been sitting out all day), but it served the purpose of dinner. Right now, I am so annoyed with hunger. I don’t have time or money to eat. It really bothers me that we are physically required to eat. It is a pain in the you-know-what to have to eat during times like these.
Anyway, back to my roommate. So then, after providing me with sustenance, and knowing I would most likely be finishing my paper up until the last second like usual, she offered to drive me to school. Every minute counts my friends, every minute counts. It was awesome. I think I got like, five more accurate footnotes in because of the ride. As I was leaving, she also saved me from going catatonic in frustration of my ever-elusive keys. I could not find them. Again. I shouted out the window, "I can't find my stupid keys." She's like,“there in the bathroom.” I went into the bathroom, and what do you know, there they were. Peacefully lying on the counter after I had violently trashed my room in a desperate attempt to uncover them. I think the ability to know where your keys are is a spiritual gift. That would be a great spiritual gift to have. Even better than um, prophesying.
So anyway, props to Amy for keeping me alive during the volatile life stage I am currently undergoing. Hopefully, it will be over by Friday. So it’s like 5:50, and I still haven’t slept a wink since I awoke Sunday at 11:30 p.m. No time. I kind of want to make it rain one giant snowstorm with all my stupid homework and readings I have to do right now. Plus, I think I am seriously coming down with carpel tunnel from typing in an extremely ergonomically incorrect position for about…. hmmm…. 18 hours straight. Not even kidding. Bllaahhhh. Oh well, I guess I'll raise my Diet Coke to another 24 hours of carpel tunnel, exhaustion and avoidant behaviors. It's the little things that make life worth living:).
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